By Daniel Que
The provincial board of Pangasinan has lauded an athlete who secured three gold medals in table tennis at the recently-concluded 8th Philippine National Para Games 2024 held in Metro Manila.
A resolution passed on November 18 commended Leo Abulencia Macalanda, , a proud member of Team Pangasinan, for his exceptional performance. He brought honor and glory to both the province of Pangasinan and his hometown of Urdaneta by winning gold in the Single Class 7, Double Class 7, and Team Event Class 7 categories of Para Table Tennis.
The 8th Philippine National Para Games, organized by the Philippine Paralympic Committee and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, saw over 1,000 para-athletes from across the country participating from November 11-24. The games were held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila, and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City.
Macalanda’s victory comes after he earned two bronze medals in Mixed Doubles T6-7 and Team Event T7-8 para Table Tennis at the 12th ASEAN Para Games 2023 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The resolution, authored by Fifth District Board Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, emphasized the provincial government’s recognition of Pangasinan para-athletes who contributed to Team Pangasinan’s medal haul.
It highlighted that Macalanda’s recent triumph “proves that disability or impairment need not be an obstacle to success” and serves as an inspiration for future generations of para-athletes to aim high and pursue excellence in their respective fields.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan joins the entire province in congratulating Macalanda for making all Pangasinenses proud and wishes him continued success in his future competitions, the resolution added.